11 must-see movies hitting cinemas this Autumn

From epic blockbusters to high-calibre crime dramas, the Autumn film schedule is a veritable feast of intriguing and exciting releases.

With some of the most-anticipated movies of 2013 hitting cinemas in the next two months, Mark Butler takes a look at eleven new flicks you won’t want to miss.

[Hammer Time: Chris Hemsworth is back in Thor: The Dark World]

Filth

Who’s in it?
James McAvoy, Imogen Poots, Jamie Bell

When’s it out?
Now in Scotland – October 4 everywhere else

What should we expect?
Sex, drugs, mayhem and assorted sordid antics, all wrapped up inside a darkly funny hallucinogenic trip.

Go on…
McAvoy astounds as an unhinged copper on the brink in this electrifying, controversial crime drama, adapted from another ‘un-filmable’ Irvine Welsh book.

It’ll be good then?
Oh, it is. We only just said so in our glowing (and shell-shocked) four-star review.

How I Live Now

Who’s in it?
Saoirse Ronan, George MacKay, Tom Holland

When’s it out?
October 4

What should we expect?
A bold fusion of quirky coming-of-age story and dark thriller.

Go on…
Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name, it’s the story of an American teenager on holiday in England when an apocalyptic war breaks out.

It’ll be good then?
You’d certainly put money on it. Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald, whose previous movies include Touching The Void, State Of Play and Last King Of Scotland, is directing.

The Fifth Estate

Who’s in it?
Benedict Cumberbatch, Daniel Bruhl, Laura Linney

When’s it out?
October 11

What should we expect?
TV’s Sherlock in a dodgy blonde wig, running around looking nervous and pursued.

Go on…
Cumberbatch stars as Wikileaks founder Julian Assange in this ‘real-life’ espionage thriller – the first of many Wikileaks dramas to land.

It’ll be good then?
Perhaps. Assange himself has denounced the film, while the trailer hints at a dramatic Hollywood-isation of the ongoing saga. Should be interesting though.

Escape Plan

Who’s in it?
Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Vinnie Jones

When’s it out?
October 18

What should we expect?
Fun, dumb, tongue-in-cheek action in the shape of a sweaty, macho breakout thriller.

Go on…
Veteran action heroes Stallone and Schwarzenegger must team up to escape a highly secret, hi-tech prison – but there are complications along the way.

It’ll be good then?
If you’re not looking for high-brow intellectual fare, it looks like great entertainment. The eclectic supporting cast throws up esteemed character actors and 50 Cent alike, while Arnie gets killer lines like: “You hit like a vegetarian!”

Captain Phillips

Who’s in it?
Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi, Faysal Ahmed, Catherine Keener

When’s it out?
October 18

What should we expect?
A tense, edge-of-the-seat hostage drama.

Go on…
Starring Hanks in the title role, this is the true story of Richard Phillips – whose cargo ship was hijacked by Somali pirates in 2009.

It’ll be good then?
Quite possibly; though your nerves will very likely be wracked. If director Paul Greengrass’s 9/11 drama United 93 is anything to go by, this will be heart-in-mouth stuff.

Ender’s Game

Who’s in it?
Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld

When’s it out?
October 25

What should we expect?Star Wars meets Full Metal Jacket, as a child prodigy joins a no-nonsense training regime that prepares space cadets for a full-scale inter-planetary war.

It’ll be good then?
There’s a fair chance. The material is strong; the young actors are genuinely excellent; and the film also features Ben Kingsley as a weird-faced alien bloke.

Thor: The Dark World

Who’s in it?
Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Natalie Portman

When’s it out?
October 30

What should we expect?
Action, spectacle and thrills aplenty as Thor and co battle a deadly new threat.

Go on…
The superhero sequel reunites the key players from the well-received original while also introducing Christopher Ecclestone’s dark elf villain. Trailers hint at a complex love triangle, and an uneasy alliance between Thor and his treacherous brother Loki.

It’ll be good then?
We imagine so. Game Of Thrones’ Alan Taylor is at the helm, there’s an awful lot of talent on board, and we’re really looking forward to seeing more Loki. Lots and lots of Loki.

Gravity

Who’s in it?
George Clooney, Sandra Bullock, Ed Harris

When’s it out?
November 8

What should we expect?
An emotional rollercoaster that’s visually arresting and dramatically intense in equal measure.

Go on…
Directed by Children Of Men’s Alfonso Cuaron, the space thriller revolves around two astronauts cut adrift from their craft – and forced to fight for survival.

It’ll be good then?
Almost certainly. It’s been winning rave reviews – and James Cameron called it “the greatest space movie ever made”.

The Counselor

Who’s in it?
Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt, Javier Bardem

When’s it out?
November 15

What should we expect?
A high quality crime drama packed full of suspense, intrigue and explosive violence.

Go on…
Ridley Scott directs a debut screenplay from revered American author Cormac McCarthy, about a lawyer who lands in hot water when he becomes embroiled in the drugs trade.

It’ll be good then?
With a writer, director and cast of this calibre, the odds are this will be one of the finest movies of the entire year.

Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Who’s in it?
Jennifer Lawrence, Liam Hemsworth, Josh Hutcherson

When’s it out?
November 21

What should we expect?
More dystopian gladiatorial hi-jinks, taking in copious fight scenes and satirical barbs.

Go on…
The second installment in the series, based on the huge-selling teenage novels, continues to follow reluctant gladiator Katniss and her friends as they contend with a sadistic and brutal futuristic regime.

It’ll be good then?
Expectations are high following the genuinely impressive original. Lawrence now has an Oscar to her name, while the supporting cast inspire equally optimistic confidence.

Carrie

Who’s in it?
Chloe Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer

When’s it out?
November 29

What should we expect?
A shy, withdrawn and bullied teenage girl unleashes a reign of terror when she discovers she has telekinetic powers. Again.

Go on…
This remake of the classic Brian De Palma horror – itself an adaptation of a Stephen King novel – styles itself as a slick, modern update of the quintessential high school nightmare.

It’ll be good then?
The jury’s still out. But the cast is pretty damn impressive. Moretz is one of the top young actresses in the world today; while Moore could shine as her insane, Christian zealot mother.